Topics in Oceanography

As vast as our ocean and its resources are, they are not infinite. And today the ocean is under tremendous pressure from human activity – including unsustainable and illegal fishing, marine pollution, and climate-related impacts. The ocean is both fragile and resilient. International protections are evolving through the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and UNESCO for this major source of resources and nutrition for billions of people. Ocean industries employ millions of workers, and generate trillions of dollars for the world economy. The ocean is central to human well-being. This class will offer students exposure to the utilization of the oceans’ resources.